MLMs that have gone brick'n'mortar / traditional retail, or vice-versa...

MLM expert friends-

Can you think of any examples of pyramids that "De-pyramided" themselves in favor of a more traditional way to market, or the opposite, product companies that adopted an MLM-model after a period of conventional retail?

I assume that NO product-based MLM has *ever* successfully gone on to sell their products in stores / online without an army of free labor/cheerleaders.... but maybe I'm wrong?

I assume that NO product-based MLM has *ever* successfully gone on to sell their products in stores / online without an army of free labor/cheerleaders.... but maybe I'm wrong?

Thanks!

It's hard to imagine why they would move to stores if an MLM company has "free" distribution via its network. I couldn't fathom an Amway for instance having to compete via price on the shelves at Walmart. Quality a big if too, is the world outside the pyramid clamoring for their products? Autoship seems to dry up when people leave the fold, which to me means former affiliates were more thrilled with the opportunity than value of the product.